newjerseynewsroom.com

Part of state effort to keep prom night safe

BY TOM HESTER SR.

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

So after drinking following their prom, the guy takes his date home and when he walks around to passenger side of the car, he finds a bloody hook hanging from the door handle.

(Note to self: Great opening but 2012 prom couple must be riding in a ‘62 Chevy.)

Ok, the state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control is seeking much more creative and teenage writers to take part in its fifth annual “Proms and Alcoholic Don’t Mix” public service announcement competition, a program that focuses on the danger of alcohol for high school students.

A letter was mailed Monday to all New Jersey high school principals, asking schools to have their senior students work together on teams to develop scripts for a public service announcement. One overall winning entry will be selected and a number of additional entries will be chosen as runner-up winners. High school students who participate in developing winning entries will be invited to a special party to recognize their accomplishment. The one overall winning entry will be produced and distributed for broadcast on local television stations.

Last year’s contest winner, created by students from Pascack Regional High School in Hillsdale, was selected from 45 submissions from throughout the state.

“We want students to enjoy a healthy and safe prom season (next spring), and my hope is that this contest will help students focus on the dangers of alcohol,” state Attorney General Dow said.

“The prom should be a joyful celebration, not an invitation for tragedy, which is what alcohol brings to the party,” ABC Director Jerry Fischer added.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, youths who consume alcohol are more likely to experience alcohol-related car crashes and other accidents, such as burns, falls and drowning. The 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey also found that among high school students, 42 percent drank alcohol, 10 percent drove after drinking and 28 percent rode with a driver who had been drinking alcohol.

Here are the rules for the contest:

Each high school may submit up to three public service announcement scripts. High school students may work in teams to develop the scripts. The Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control encourages as many senior students as possible to participate in the development of the scripts. Only senior high school students are eligible to participate in this program.

The phrase “Proms and Alcohol Don’t Mix” must be included in the public service announcement.

The senior students will be asked to participate in the taping of the public service announcements by appearing in the actual video and/or assisting in the production and editing. Only senior high school students from the winning school may appear in the video.

The public service announcements must meet broadcast, on-air criteria and must be a maximum of thirty seconds in length. Students should time the scripts by reading them out loud prior to submissions. It is critical that students adhere to this requirement since the winning entry will be professionally produced.

All scripts must be typed and submitted on 8 ½ -inch by 11-inch paper.